793.94/5494: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 20—10:05 a.m.]
983. My 923, August 9, 6 p.m., and previous telegrams concerning activities of Japanese Legation guard.
Shortly after midnight on the morning of August 19 [apparent omission] and a detachment of Japanese soldiers from Japanese Legation guard held maneuvers outside Legation quarter for a distance of approximately 300 yards on main Chinese streets and side streets opposite Japanese sector. It is understood that Chinese authorities were notified in advance. Streets were cleared of Chinese traffic before maneuvers started. Foreigners were not molested. Maneuvers consisted of machine-gun drills and mimic street fighting with fixed bayonets. The event has passed off quietly although there has been adverse comment in the local press. The above is transmitted merely for the Department’s information.